Overview & Reviews

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius (from the Latin "to go before") has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers' hybrid models are still in their nascent stages, Toyota's Prius is already well into its third generation. This four-door hatchback hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, spacious cabin, relatively uncompromised driving characteristics and reasonable price.

Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. Pleasingly, Toyota's solid reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

Current Toyota Prius
In its first decade of production, the compact Prius hatchback was the sole version available. But now, a subcompact Prius C, a larger Prius V wagon and a plug-in variant of the standard Prius are offered (and covered in separate reviews). With the introduction of these newer models, the standard Prius is often referred to as the Prius hatchback or liftback.

The Toyota Prius' hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power is 134 horsepower, and fuel economy rates an impressive 50 mpg combined.

There are four Prius trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five. Standard feature highlights for the Prius Two include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Three adds a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system and a navigation system. The Four gains a power driver seat, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery and an upgraded stereo. The Five has larger alloy wheels and advanced LED headlamps. Options vary depending on trim level, but include a solar-powered ventilation system, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, a head-up display, an upgraded navigation system, adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system.

Under full acceleration, both gasoline and electric power sources work together to provide maximum propulsion. In stop-and-go traffic, the Prius usually runs on battery power alone, which maximizes fuel economy. Under deceleration, the electric motors switch to generator mode, recharging the car's batteries. As expected, performance is far from exciting, but adequate for passing and merging onto highways. The Prius' space-efficient hatchback body provides a surprisingly roomy backseat and cargo area, making it a plausible replacement for a family sedan or compact SUV. The Prius' main downsides are a potentially uncomfortable driving position for taller drivers, excessive road noise and disappointing interior materials quality.

Used Toyota Prius Models
The current third-generation Toyota Prius debuted for 2010. Its general shape remained largely unchanged compared to the previous generation, though the sheet metal took on a more sculpted character. The interior received a more radical overhaul, with a more conventional center control stack and the hybrid system display relocated high on the dash. It's also a bit more comfortable for taller drivers, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a telescoping steering wheel, though still not great. Changes have been very minor since. The pre-2012 models lack a few features offered on later versions such as power front seats and the Entune smartphone integration system.

The second-generation Toyota Prius was produced for the 2004-'09 model years. It sat five people in a four-door hatchback body that provided extra versatility in terms of carrying items. This Prius' hybrid powertrain was the same in concept as the current third-generation model, but it featured a smaller, 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produced 76 hp and 82 pound-feet of torque. With the electric motor spinning out power, peak net hp was 110.

Aside from its hybrid system upgrades, most buyers will find the interior to be the biggest area of difference between the second-generation model and the current Prius. The dashboard and controls were unconventional and futuristic, with stereo, climate, vehicle system and optional navigation controls residing in a touchscreen interface. There were steering wheel buttons for frequently used items, but ultimately, too much was put under the jurisdiction of the touchscreen (which could wash out in sunlight). The odd gear-selector action of today's Prius was carried over from this generation, but then it was mounted on the dash. Another important difference to note is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and height adjustment, making for an even more awkward driving position for taller people.

During its successful tenure in Toyota's lineup, this second-generation Prius received minor changes. For 2006, a back-up camera, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack were added to the options list. A Prius Touring model was added the following year with a slightly firmer "sport" suspension, different 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear lip spoiler and several optional items. Side and side curtain airbags also became standard across the board. A "standard" trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange had a significantly lower base price, was added for 2008.

In reviews of the Toyota Prius, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s.

The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable.

Though less advanced than those in the newer generations, the older Prius' powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.

User Reviews:

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  The Prius - a fun car to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By gkadey - September 7 - 6:26 am

  Average litres per 100k 4.3 Litres, 63/65 MPG Canadian over 3,000K.

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  Sporty feel, great gas mileage - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jennifer Latin - September 5 - 10:57 pm

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  Cool Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Brett - September 5 - 6:43 pm

  We bought the Prius about 6 week ago and could not be happier. I am 64" and about 370lb. Its a tight squeeze to get in but once you are there, there is plenty of room. I drove 8hrs to las Vegas the first week we had the car and trip went by in a flash. they skimped on some of the "comfort" features but all in all its a GREAT car. We are getting about 46-49 miles per gallon on the adverage with my wife driving 110 miles a day to and from work.I wish they would offer the premimun sound system in package 7 the stock system sound is pretty poor but is not worth the extra 3500 for package 9.bottom line is WE LOVE OUR PRIUS.Buy one today you will love it.Brett

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  Some complaints but still quite happy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Germann - September 5 - 7:46 am

  I got Package 5. This is actually my wifes car but I drive it about half the time and probably over half the miles. We really like it especially the mileage. We have been getting over 50 MPG lately but as low as 36 in winter with minus 20 temperatures and short trips of 6 miles to work and back. The back bumper cover didnt fit well both sides and glove box had to be replaced twice because of non uniform gap. Also one of my Goodyear tires had to be replaced at my expense. They said we abused the tire which was false. We have had this car a year now and we use it whenever we can and the Camry, which only gets 31, sits in the garage. The 15,000 mile service cost almost $200 which is a rip off

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  Pleasantly surprised with the 2012 over the 2011 - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By chipl - September 4 - 8:18 pm

  Was bargain shopping for a 2011 at a Tysons VA dealer last week. They dissed me on the trade and said to take it to Carmax for the trade. So headed to Laurel MD and glad I did! The 2012 is so much nicer inside than the 2011. Add to that $3900 better on my trade-in! Things people complain about, road noise, the stereo, and such - just arent there in my opinion. The ride/noise is as nice as my old 2003 Baja, maybe better at times except under very hard acceleration. Loving the CVT transmission, such smooth driving; but find myself needing to watch the speedometer more to be sure I am not speeding.

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  Prius great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Laura - September 3 - 2:23 am

  I am in this car sometimes 8 hrs a day two to three days a week. Gave up my Passat W8 for this car ( didnt have to, I chose to) & I do miss my sun roof & power heated leather seats, but this car does have a lot going for it. It has good pick up & is great on curves. saves $ as uses reg gas. Sure wish it had a sunroof & a power driver seat but it is comfortable.

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  Most quiet car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Love_My_Prius - September 2 - 4:40 pm

  The Prius is a well thought out vehicle. Im on my second take in 6 weeks. First two tanks averaged 43.5 MPG. This is low due to the fact that I make very short 1-2 mile trips and its cold in Ohio. Summer should bring the mileage up in the 50s. The car rides very nice and is extremely quiet. It truely is a techie car with the on-board display screen and optional navigation. Im thrilled with my purchase and would recommend the car to anyone!

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  great car-bad dealer - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By murray - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be very easy to handle. I am short and the higher seat makes it easy to judge distance.

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  Luxury AND Economy! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tekonah - September 2 - 2:00 am

  After more than 6000 miles of interstate driving, I found this the most exciting and pleasurable car of the more than 20 (mostly Toyotas) I have owned. The only disappointment: mileage per gallon is only as good as my 2001 Prius which had 30,000 miles on it.

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  Couldnt ask for more. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By clark mcdougall - September 2 - 2:00 am

  outstanding!